"Puha and Pakeha" is a 1960s New Zealand novelty song, written and performed by Rod Derrett. Darkly humorous in nature, it is about Māori people in early New Zealand preparing 'boil-up' meals of pūhā (a leafy vegetable that grows in the wild) and Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent).

"Puha and Pakeha"
Single by Rod Derrett
Released1965
Recorded1965
GenreNovelty, Comedy
Length3:17
LabelEMI (His Master's Voice)
Songwriter(s)Rod Derrett

In 2004, a complaint was laid with the Broadcasting Standards Authority that the song was culturally insensitive to Pākehā. In its ruling, the BSA said that it could not be interpreted as such, and that it was "clearly humorous".[1]

The song was re-released on iTunes in October 2012 to promote the comedy horror film Fresh Meat.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Puha and Pakeha just a song". NZ Herald. December 30, 2004. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  2. ^ "Fresh Meat not for the squeamish". Stuff.co.nz. September 27, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2012.